ACT Tips

The ACT (American College Test) and PSAE (Prairie State Achievement Examination) testing days are quickly approaching for the class of 2011. It may seem stressful, daunting, even impossible at times, but it really doesn’t have to be that bad. Here are five quick and easy tips to help keep you sane and perform at your very best on testing day.

1. Sleep. Seriously, a good night’s sleep will work wonders. Try and get a full eight or nine hours. Getting your nightly dose of REM will help you focus and keep calm, and your scores will definitely reflect it.

2. Eat well. Have a well balanced dinner the night before, and a full breakfast, and make sure to pack a snack! The last thing you want is to be sitting during testing time and only being able to focus on your stomach grumbling. Stick to healthy foods. A breakfast chock full of whole grains, low fat dairy, and fresh fruit will help keep you energized through the day much better than half a pop-tart and a can of soda. Bring a granola bar and a piece of fruit for that break and a water bottle to rehydrate before it’s time to go back to testing.

3. Dress to test. Make sure your outfit is not necessarily fashionable, but something you’ll be able to sit a couple hours in comfortably. It may seem strange
to plan your outfit around a test but it’s best to avoid the bangles and bows and to head for that comfort t-shirt and the sweats. If it’s cute that’s fine, but this isn’t the day to focus on appearances. The less distractions you have, the easier the test will be.

4. Remember your appropriate gadgets. Make sure you have several well sharpened #2 pencils, an eraser, an approved calculator for the math section, and a watch if need be. It’s better to over prepared rather than halfway through the test having to wait for the proctor because your only pencil broke. Just make sure everything you bring into the testing room is ACT approved. Leave the cell phones and iPods at home. You won’t need them and you don’t want to be disqualified.

5. Keep cool. Don’t stress about questions you may have missed, or whatever you may have left unfinished. Worrying will only stress you out further, and make the exam a whole heck of a lot scarier. You’ll have a short break midway through your exam. Take a moment to relax. Get a drink of water, stretch and do a few breathing exercises. This is your chance to unwind before the last bubble filling long haul. Just stay calm and you’ll get there.

The ACT doesn’t have to be so bad. As long as you’re prepared, the day will be a breeze. The Echo wishes the class of 2011 the best of luck on their testing days. They may be long, but you’ll all pull through just fine.